MLB Player News

Curtiss was one of the candidates mentioned by manager Kevin Cash to serve as an opener during one of the two weekend games against the Blue Jays in Buffalo, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 27-year-old right-hander has been impressive out of the bullpen through his first two appearances, allowing an earned run on four hits over 4.2 innings while posting a 5:0 K:BB. Curtiss' most recent outing was a 2.2-inning stint against the Red Sox on Tuesday, so his arm should be sufficiently rested to work the 1-to-2 innings Cash has typically asked his openers to cover in the past.

Manager Kevin Cash mentioned Fairbanks as a candidate to serve as an opener during one of the two weekend games against the Blue Jays in Buffalo, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Fairbanks last logged an appearance Wednesday, a one-inning outing against the Red Sox. The right-hander would likely only be needed for a couple of frames if used as an opener in the same way Cash has deployed pitchers in that role the last couple of seasons, so his arm should certainly be rested sufficiently if called upon. Fairbanks has had an up-and-down start to the campaign, surrendering at least one run in half of his eight appearances on his way to a 5.63 ERA and 1.75 WHIP over eight innings.

Rodriguez cleared waivers Thursday and has been outrighted to the Angels' alternate training site.

Rodriguez lost his spot on the 40-man roster when he was designated for assignment Monday, but he'll remain with the Angels and train with their satellite squad for the time being. The 24-year-old has appeared in only one game with the big club this season, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings against Houston on Aug. 2.

Giles (forearm) played catch Friday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Giles has been out with a forearm strain since late July and had been shut down from throwing for two weeks. While he remains without a clear timeline for his return, his latest MRI looked good, and he continues to progress in the right direction.

Farmer (groin) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Farmer landed on the injured list with a left groin strain Monday. The fact that he'll resume throwing within a week is certainly good news, though it's not yet clear when he's expected to return.

Banda was credited with the save in a win over the Red Sox on Thursday, allowing three earned runs on four hits, a walk and a hit batsman over three innings. He struck out two.

The southpaw came on in a low-leverage scenario after the Rays already had a 16-5 lead through six innings, but because he logged three full innings, he still was credited with his first big-league save. Banda wasn't exactly sharp -- he threw only 35 of 58 pitches for strikes and plunked Kevin Pillar -- but his ability to throw multiple innings came in handy on a night when the potential was there for the Rays to dig deep into the bullpen. Banda was promoted from the taxi squad earlier in the day Thursday, and he could remain on the active roster until at least one of Yonny Chirinos (triceps) or Charlie Morton (shoulder) comes off the injured list.

Beeks (2-0) was credited with the victory in Thursday's win over the Red Sox, firing two scoreless innings in which he allowed a hit and issued a walk.

After Tyler Glasnow scuffled through another rough outing, Beeks came on in the fifth inning to give manager Kevin Cash a pair of effective frames. It's exactly the type of role the left-hander is suited for considering his arm is built up for multiple innings, and Thursday's performance was a welcome bounce-back effort after he surrendered a pair of runs against the Yankees over 1.2 innings in his most recent outing.

Lopez (shoulder) threw a pair of simulated innings Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Lopez recorded just two outs this season before landing on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. While it's certainly positive news that he appears to be tracking towards his return, the fact that he's throwing just two innings seemingly indicates he isn't particularly close to being ready to handle a starter's workload. It's possible the White Sox bring him back in a long-relief role or to make a handful of shorter starts before he's ready to approach 100 pitches, however.

Junis will serve as the primary pitcher behind Ian Kennedy against the Twins on Friday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Manager Mike Matheny wants Junis to only go through the lineup twice, so Kennedy will serve as the opener to help get him deeper into the game. Junis has a 4.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 4;4 K:BB through his first two starts (nine innings) of the season.

Richards will start Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Richards being named as Friday's starter does not come as a surprise as the right-hander logged four innings while allowing two unearned runs in relief of Charlie Morton (shoulder) in Sunday's win over the Yankees. Richards started 23 games last season between Miami and Tampa Bay.